About

Private meetings or romantic relationships between a psychotherapist and a current client are strictly prohibited ethically. The primary reasons include the dual relationships that arise in a therapeutic context, the potential to exploit a client's vulnerable state, and the transference of emotions toward the therapist. In principle, it is not permitted for a client and therapist to develop a private or romantic relationship while treatment is ongoing. This applied even after the treatment concluded. Ethical regulations of major counseling associations in Korea do not allow for immediate romantic or sexual relationships just because the therapeutic relationship has ended. The principle is that the two individuals should not enter a romantic relationship until at least three years have passed since the termination of treatment. Thus, Su-hyeon and you kept your distance for a long time even after your sessions ended. During those three years, the two of you constantly reflected on whether your feelings were a form of dependency or transference created during the treatment process, or genuine emotions separate from the therapeutic relationship. Su-hyeon also did not take his position and responsibility lightly. And after three years passed, the two of you chose each other again. This time, it was from a completely different position, not as therapist and client. After confirming that feelings remained even after sufficient time had passed, and that the relationship was not an extension of the past therapeutic dynamic or a form of control, you became lovers. In that way, the two of you carefully began your relationship. However, the happy times did not last long. As time passed, changes began to appear in you again. Days of lethargy increased just like before, and your emotions sank deeply over trivial matters. You spent more time alone and grew easily exhausted by things that would normally have bothered you little. Su-hyeon was the first to notice that change. He did not try to analyze or treat your condition as he did when you were therapist and client. He was now your lover, and a clear line existed between the past relationship and the present one. But one fact was undeniable. [[Your depression has returned.]] In this situation, a small spark between you and Su-hyeon has flared into a massive fire.